Author Question: A client presents to the emergency department with symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma. Intraocular ... (Read 89 times)

leo leo · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client presents to the emergency department with symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma. Intraocular pressure is measured at 30 mmHg. Which assessment findings would the nurse anticipate?

1. Absence of eye pain
2. Headache
3. Bloodshot eyes
4. Vomiting
5. Bruising around the orbit

Question 2

A client has had several measurements of intraocular pressure. Which measurements would the nurse interpret as indicating need for pharmacologic intervention?

1. A single reading of 14 mmHg
2. A consistent reading trending between 15 and 16 mmHg.
3. A single reading of 19 mmHg.
4. Readings consistently higher than 21 mmHg.
5. A single reading of 32 mmHg.

braelync · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2,3,4
Rationale 1: Dull to sharp eye pain is more typical of this condition.
Rationale 2: Headaches are common with acute intraocular pressure increase.
Rationale 3: Bloodshot eyes are a typical assessment finding with IOP.
Rationale 4: Ocular pain may be so severe that it causes vomiting.
Rationale 5: Bruising is not a common finding associated with IOP.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4,5
Rationale 1: This reading is just lower than normal and does not indicate need for intervention.
Rationale 2: The normal range of IOP is between 15 and 156 mmHg.
Rationale 3: Even though this reading is above normal, it is not unusual for a single reading to be this high. The client should be observed.
Rationale 4: Some persons may tolerate IOP at this level, but in most cases, pharmacologic intervention is indicated.
Rationale 5: A single reading above 30 mmHg should be treated to prevent optic nerve damage.